CHEERS: To Bridgeton resident Kathryn Drain for taking a lead role in advocating for tougher regulations on compounding pharmacies. All it took were the deaths of at least 24 people nationwide and the hospitalization of hundreds, including Drain’s husband, to shine a spotlight on these poorly regulated operations. Fungal meningitis cases linked to contaminated steroid injections are proof of a broken system. Drain has reached out to local legislators who share her concern and want to make changes. While we appreciate that some will seek to turn to the courts for big settlements, we applaud Drain and her husband, Robert, for seeking an actual solution that will benefit future patients.

JEERS: To the latest report of violence at a youth sports event. The occasion this time was a girls soccer game in Bridgeton between BHS and Salem High School. First, it was football and basketball that featured this kind of nonsense. Now it’s come to girls soccer and Midget football. What’s next, cross country and lacrosse? How about a rumble on the golf course? This needs to end. Let’s start outright bans on anyone who gets into a fight — spectators, players, mothers, fathers, any idiot who thinks it’s OK to turn a youth sporting event into a venue for violence.

CHEERS: To the residents of Bridgeton who stepped up to assist police Wednesday night after a shooting left one man with serious injuries. The crime occurred at a barber shop on South Avenue. Three criminals tried to rob the place, and shot a man trying to flee. These trio then fled, but, thanks to those residents, two were quickly nabbed and charged. We look forward to learning of a third arrest soon. Lack of cooperation from residents has led to several unsolved crimes in our county lately. It’s good to know some are getting the message and coming to their senses. We cannot let the criminals rule our streets. Cooperate with the police and our streets will become safer.

CHEERS: To everyone working in the emergency services field. The next several days will be busy ones for these folks as a very troubling storm system works its way toward the East Coast. Sure, you’ve heard the dire warnings, and you’ve hit the stores to stock up. Take all reasonable precautions and keep tabs on the weather. Remember, though, those hard-working men and women who will be out in the thick of it, driving fire trucks, police cars and utility vehicles. They’ll be the ones responding to your emergencies. They will ride to the rescue when powerlines and trees come down. With common sense and extra helpings of caution and planning, we will come through this. Stay safe.